Didcot Girls' School
Didcot, OX11 7AJ · Oxfordshire · secondary school
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2nd of 40 secondary schools in Oxfordshire we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 9.0/10 against 624 of them, against 9.3/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 94 | 35% | 3.29 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 71.3 · 91 | 30% | 2.73 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.87 · 96 | 25% | 2.39 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 59.6 · 92 | 10% | 0.92 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Didcot Girls' School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 72.1% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 58.8, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.87 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally starting from the same place. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in January 2023. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (9.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.3 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in theatre productions, including a trip to see *Wicked*, and attend science events at Rutherford Appleton Laboratories. They also visit local universities, galleries, companies, the Didcot Railway Centre, and a French chateau.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,633 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,593. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
What support is available for pupils aiming for university places? How are the science trips at Rutherford Appleton Laboratories integrated into the curriculum?
What Ofsted said about Didcot Girls' School
Overview
Didcot Girls’ School continues to be an outstanding school, described as a “vibrant and happy place to work and learn.” Leaders aim to “empower girls to become resilient and to fulfil their potential as future leaders,” with pupils achieving exceptionally well academically and in personal development.
Strengths
- Pupils achieve exceptionally well, including disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), who receive “excellent support” and follow the same curriculum as peers.
- Teachers use “strong subject knowledge” to present learning effectively, ensuring pupils can “remember what they have learned and can apply it fluently.”
- Behaviour is “exemplary” with “respectful” relationships; bullying is “extremely rare” and staff deal with it very well.
- The personal development curriculum is “very well organised,” offering an “impressive” range of clubs, leadership opportunities, and strong careers education.
- Leaders have taken practical steps to “streamline teachers’ workload” and established a “collaborative and respectful working environment.”
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a “strong culture of vigilance” supported by robust policies, thorough record-keeping, and staff who know how to secure support for vulnerable pupils.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 58.8 |
| 2024/25 | 58.8 |
| 2025/26 | 59.6 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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